Summit County mayors unite to support new districting bill for fair representation

Summit County leaders are rallying behind a proposed districting bill aimed at enhancing regional representation and giving a voice to unincorporated areas. During a recent Council of Governments meeting, mayors from various municipalities expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to create fairer representation across the county.

The discussion highlighted the need for districting to ensure that all communities, particularly those outside city limits, are adequately represented. Mayor of Camas, who passionately endorsed the bill, stated, “When you remove all of the fluff... it’s just the right thing to do.” He argued that the bill would facilitate collaboration among mayors and improve governance by addressing regional issues collectively.

Several mayors echoed this sentiment, noting that the current structure often overlooks the needs of residents in less populated areas. One mayor remarked, “I feel that they’ve been overlooked... we’ve gone a long time without representation.” The proposed districting aims to rectify this by establishing five districts, which would allow for more equitable representation.

The mayors also discussed the importance of including an at-large member on the districting committee to ensure that voices from the West Side are heard. This move is seen as a way to foster inclusivity and ensure that all perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

As the council moves forward, the emphasis remains on creating a system that reflects the diverse needs of Summit County residents. The bill is expected to be a significant step toward achieving a more representative governance structure, with leaders optimistic about its potential impact on community engagement and collaboration.